Folding table



April 968 E. M. LIEBERMAN 3,379,145

FOLDING TABLE Filed Dec. 25, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

I NVENTOR. EDGAR M. LIEBERMAN ATTORNEYS April 1968 E. M. LIEBERMAN 3,379,145

FOLD I NG TABLE Filed Dec. 23, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet :7,

' INVENTOR. EDGAR M. L/EBERMAN A TTORNE 5 United States Patent 3,379,145 FGLDING TABLE Edgar M. Lieberman, 7309 Sycamore, Kansas City, Mo. 64133 Filed Dec. 23, 1966, Ser. No. 694,312 10 Claims. (Cl. 108112) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A folding table of a pedestal type with a table top having hingedly connected portions, the hinges being adjacent edges that abut when the table is in unfolded or erected position, the table portions being substantially in parallel planes when folded. The pedestal or support structure has a plurality of leg and arm assemblies swingably mounted thereon with the arms being extendable with outer ends connected to the respective table top portions in spaced relation to the hingedly connected edge portions whereby folding and unfolding of the table top portions swing the leg and arm assemblies to folded and unfolded positions, movable guide means being connected to the pedestal and table top to maintain the table top centered relative to the pedestal.

This invention contemplates a folding table where the top is in two parts hingedly connected for swinging movement from collapsed to erected position. The table top may be of any desired shape such as round, square or rectangular. The invention particularly relates to a folding table of the pedestal type and when elongated the pedestal structure may be considered a double pedestal with spaced portions for proper support of the table top.

The principal objects of the present invention are to provide a folding table that has a folding divided table top with a support structure both of which move to a generally fiat condition for shipping and storage and which is adapted to stand on its own supporting means when either in folded or erected position; to provide such a folding table structure which requires no latches or locks to hold it in erect or collapsed positions; to provide such a folding table that can be easily set up or removed in changing multi-purpose room; to provide such a folding table of the pedestal type wherein when substantially collapsed the feet and legs may have suitable spacing to permit the structure to stand; to provide such a structure with rigid guide memebrs for vertical guiding movement of the table top halves when moved to and from folded and unfolded positions to maintain the table top centered relative to the pedestal; and to provide a folded table generally of the pedestal type which is sturdy, easily moved between collapsed and erected positions, and that presents a neat attractive appearance.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and examples certain embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a folding table in unfolded or erected position with the table top shown in broken lines to show the supporting structure thereunder.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the table in a free standing folded position with portions broken away to show the guide means connection.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional view through the guide connection with the hinged tabletop halves.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view through the table pedestal taken on the line 4-4, FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view 3,379,145 Patented Apr. 23, 1968 ice through the pedestal guide and an arm showing the connection therebetween.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a universal joint member for connecting an arm to the table top.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view through the outer end of the arm and table top showing the universal connection therebetween when in erected position.

FIG. 8 is a transverse fragmentary sectional view through the arm and table top connection in folded position.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of an arm and table top at the connection therebetween.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a modified form of folding table with portions broken away to illustrate the structure thereof.

Referring more in detail to the drawings.

The reference numeral 1 generally designates a folding table of the pedestal type wherein a table top 2 is divided into two parts or halves 3 and 4 joined together by hinged means 5 which permits the halves to be arranged in erected position with adjacent edges 6 and 7 respectively abutting and to be folded to a position wherein the halves lie in adjacent substantially parallel planes, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In the structure illustrated, the table top haves are connected by a plurality of hinge means spaced longitudinally thereof with hinge pins 8 pivotally connecting opposed hinged portions having butt plates 9 and 10 secured to bottom faces 11 of the top halves 3 and 4, respectively. One of the hinge connections preferably is positioned generally above a support structure or pedestal 12. A guide mean 13 has an upper end pivotally connected to one or both table top halves at the edges 6 and 7 and is illustrated as being pivotally mounted on the pin 8 of said hinge connection above the pedestal 12. The guide means 13 includes a depending elongate rod or shank 14 to guide the table top relative to the pedestal as later described.

The support means or pedestal 12 includes a plurality of leg structures 15 that are pivotally connected for swinging movement about vertical axes with said leg structures each having an extensible arm 16 connected to the table top halves whereby said leg portions and arms move in response to folding and unfolding of the table top halves. In the structure illustrated, the column 17 is a square tube and the guide means 18 is an insert fixed in the upper end of said tube with vertically spaced bores 19 in which the rod 14 is slideably mounted. The leg structures 15 preferably have generally elongate upright portions 20 that are pivotally connected to the column at vertically spaced points, as for example, by hinges or bearing means 21 and 22. In the structure illustrated, the hinges 21 and 22 are arranged at the corners of the square tube with bearing portions secured to the tube as by welding as at 23, cooperative bearing means being secured to the leg portions 20 as by Welding as at 24 with hinge pins 25 pivotally connecting leg portions with the column whereby said leg portions may be swung about the spaced vertical axes. The lower part of each leg structure 15 extends downwardly and outwardly from the respective leg portions 20 and terminates in a foot 26 for engaging the floor or the table supporting surface. The feet of the adjacent legs when the table is in folded position can be slightly spaced as illustrated in FIG. 2 to provide free standing support for the table when folded.

The extensible arms 16 extend outwardly from the upper end portions of the leg portions 20 adjacent the upper end 27 of the column 12 and include portions 28 rigid with the leg portions 20-. The portions 29 of the extensible arms are sleeved on the portions 28 and are movable outwardly relative thereto with the outward extension of the arms being limited by stops on the arm portions. The arm portions 28 and 29 are held against relative rotation engage the screw head or abutment at the extremities of the desired movement.

The outer end portion 33 of each arm portion 29 is connected to a respective table top half by a universal joint structure 34. In the structure illustrated, there are two arm and leg assemblies for each table top half, and the connection with the table top is such that when in erected position said arm and leg assemblies have relative angular relationship, also, angular relationship with the leg and arm assemblies for the other table top half, as illustrated in FIG. 1. When in folded position, the arms for the leg and arm assemblies of a respective table top half extend substantially in opposite direction, as illustrated in FIG. 2. By having the table top halves slightly spaced at their outer margins or edges 35 the universal joint connection could be entirely beneath the table top undersurface and the arms positioned between the lower margins of the table top halves when in folded position. However, in the illustrated structure, the universal joint structure is such that one of the axes of movement is recessed in the table top.

The universal joint structure 34 is particularly illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 9, inclusive, and includes a plate member 36 secured to the underface 11 of the respective table top half and has a bearing pin carrying portion 37 extending inwardly in a bottom opening recess 38 of the table top to mount the bearing pin 39 therein. The portion 37 is shown as having a bifurcated portion 40 with the pin 39 supported therein. The pin 39 rotatably mounts a head member or bearing 41 which is connected to a leg 42 of a U shaped member 43 with the other leg 44 carrying a pin 45 rotatably mounted in the outer end portion 33 of the arm portion 29. The pin 45 extends through aligned openings 46 in the arm and preferably is maintained in position by a keeper 47 which, in the illustrated structure, is a screw shank that engages shoulders 48 formed by a groove 49 in the pin 45. With this arrangement, the arm 16 can swing relative to the hinge member 43 about the axis of the pin 45 and the arm 16 and binge member 43 can swing about the axis of the pin 39. Since these two axes are perpendicular one to the other, this provides a universal joint. When folded, the arm is positioned sufliciently below the edge 35 of the respective table top half, so that leg 44 in its movement remains clear of the bottom corner of edge 35.

When the table is in folded position, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the arms 16 that are connected to one table top half extend substantially oppositely and the leg portions are arranged whereby they are of similar projection. The arms and leg portions for the other table top half are similarly arranged and laterally spaced therefrom so that the feet are slightly spaced to give support permitting the structure to stand. In this position, the edges 6 and 7 are uppermost and the guide rod extends downwardly through the bores 19 to maintain the table top halves centered relative to the pedestal. When it is desired to unfold the table, the halves are grasped adjacent the edge portions 35 and pulled laterally outwardly. This relative outward movement of the edge portions of the table top halves 3 and 4 and the universal joint connection with the arms swings said arms 16 outwardly and also the leg portions to give greater spacing between the leg and arm portions for the opposite table halves. This moves the arms and leg portions for a respective table top half into a decreasing angular relationship but the distance from the universal joints to the pedestal increases which increases are accommodated by the extension of the respective telescoping or extensible arms 16.

Gil

When fully unfolded, the arms and leg portions are arranged as illustrated in FIG. 1 and the arms 16 are below the underface of the table top halves and when the table top is a square the arms 15 are generally diagonal thereof. In this position, the engagement of the abutting edges 6 and 7 of the table top halves 3 and 4, respectively, resist further relative hinging movement thereof and the center hinge rests on the top portion of column 17. The outer or corner portions of the table top are supported on the arms through the hinge portion 43, the bight 43 engaging a portion 50 of the member 37 to form a stop, limiting further relative hinging movement about the pin 39. This provides support of the table top on the arms and column through which the load is transmitted to the feet 26. In the open position, the guide rod 14 is sleeved downwardly in the member 18 carried by the pedestal whereby the engagement therebetween maintains the centered relation of the table top relative to the pedestal. In the illustrated structure, hook means 52 are mounted on the ends of the arm portions 29 to form hangers for purses and the like, said hook means being extensions from plates 53 which close the outer ends of the arm portions 29.

To fold the table, the table halves 3 and 4 are grasped at opposite ends adjacent the edges 6 and 7 and pulled upwardly. As the hingedly connected portions rise the table halves swing toward each other and swing the respective arms 16 and leg portions therewith to the folded posi* tion shown in FIG. 2.

In the form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 10, which is particularly adapted for long tables, the table top halves 54 and 55 are hingedly connected whereby when in open or unfolded position, the inner or adjacent edges abut as at 56. The supporting structure and operation thereof is substantially the same as shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, inclusive, except that the supporting structure 57 in the form shown in FIG. 10 has spaced upright columns or pedestals 5S and 59 rigidly connected by rigid frame 60 to hold said columns in substantially parallel relationship. Each column has pivotally mounted thereon a leg and arm assembly 61 for each table top half which includes a telescoping arm 62 and leg 63. The outer end of the telescoping arms are connected by universal joints 64 to the respective table top half whereby when in erected position the arms on each column diverge outwardly toward the outer ends of the respective table top halves. This table structure is folded in the same manner as that shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, inclusive, wherein one of the table top halves is grasped adjacent the abutting portions 56 and raised upwardly, the halves hinging to a position where said halves are substantially in parallel planes. This action swings the arms inwardly whereby the arms on each column extend substantially alongside each other with the leg portions also being moved to adjacent positions. The structure is provided with a guide means for each column the same as the guide rod 14 and member 18 shown and described relative to the form in FIGS. 1 to 9, inclusive.

It is to be understood that while I have illustrated and described certain forms of my invention, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts herein described and shown except insofar as such limitations are included in the claims.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A folding table comprising,

(a) a table top divided into two parts with adjacent edge portions hingedly connected for movement of the table top parts from edge abutting relationship to a position where said parts are in parallel planes,

(b) a supporting structure including a plurality of generally upright leg members with outwardly extending lower portions terminating in feet adapted to engage a supporting surface,

(c) means pivotally connecting said leg portions for relative swinging movement about vertical axes,

(d) outwardly extending extensible arm structure each having one portion fixed relative to a respective upright leg portion, said arms extending generally in the same direction as the respective lower portions having the feet, said arm and leg portions being arranged on opposite sides of said edges of the table top parts,

(e) and means pivotally connecting the other portions of said extensible arms to the table top parts with the points of connections of said other portions with respective table top part being spaced from the abutting edges of said table top parts whereby each of the leg and arm portions of a respective table top part extend in opposed relation when the table top parts are substantially in parallel planes and all of said leg and arm portions extend outwardly in angular relation to each adjacent leg and arm portion when the table is erected and the edges of the top parts are abutting.

2. A folding table as set forth in claim 1 wherein the pivotal connections of the other portions of the extensible arms with the respective table top parts each provide for relative pivoting about two different and intersecting axes.

3. A folding table as set forth in claim 1 including,

(a) a guide means connected relative to the table top parts and axially of the hinged connection thereof and having movable engagement with the supporting structure for maintaining the table top parts centered relative to said supporting structure.

4. A folding table as set forth in claim 2 wherein the means of the supporting structure pivotally connecting the upright leg portion includes an upright column with the pivotal connection of the leg portions in spaced apart relation whereby the axes of the swinging movement of the leg and arm portions are spaced one from the other and substantially vertical.

5. A folding table as set forth in claim 4 and including,

(a) an elongate guide means having an upper end pivotally connected relative to the table top parts and axially of the hinged connection thereof with said elongate guide member depending therefrom between the two table top parts when in parallel planes,

(b) and means in said column having guiding engagement relative to said guide member whereby said guide member moves in a line when the table top parts are moved from edge abutting relationship to a position wherein they are in parallel planes and maintains the table top parts centered relative to said upright column.

6. A folding table as set forth in claim 1 wherein the table top parts are substantially rectangular with the pivotal connections of the other arm portions to the respective table top part are equally spaced from the abutting edges and the extensible arms extending in the same direction are substantially parallel when the table is in folded position.

7. A folding table as set forth in claim 5 wherein the table top parts are substantially rectangular with each having an outer edge substantially parallel to the abutting edges and the connection of the other arm portions to the respective table top part are adjacent said outer edges and the extensible arms lie substantially in the same plane as respective table top parts when in folded position with said arms underlying the outer edges of the respective top parts.

8. A folding table as set forth in claim 7 wherein the means formic the pivotal connection between the other arm portions and the respective table top part include,

(a) the table top parts each having recesses extending inwardly from an underside adjacent respective outer edges,

(b) a hinge member secured to said table top underside and having a portion extending into the recess and terminating in a bearing member,

(c) a second hinge member hingedly mounted on said bearing member for swinging movement about an axis parallel with the said outer edge, said second hinge member extending from said bearing in a substantially U shape with a terminal leg spaced outwardly from the table top,

(d) and a hinge pin fixed to said leg and extending therefrom in a direction away from the bearing means and pivotally mounting said other portion of the respective extensible arm.

9. A folding table as set forth in claim 5 wherein the column and leg portions form a pedestal centered relative to the table top when in erected position with stop means on the extensible arm portions that are engaged when the table top is in position to prevent further extension of said arms and thereby cooperate with the guide means in maintaining the pedestal in centered position.

10. A folding table as set forth in claim 9 wherein the table top is elongate with the abutting edges longitudinal and the supporting structure has a plurality of supports including vertical leg portions and guide rod structures spaced apart longitudinally of the table with two leg portions and arm structures on each of the supports one connected to one table top part and the other connected to the other table top part, and rigid frame means connecting the spaced supports to maintain the spacing thereof for cooperation in supporting the table top.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 581,915 5/1897 Lord 108-113 687,081 11/1901 Thomas 108-112 709,171 9/1902 Nussbaumer 108-112 726,787 4/ 1903 Turner 108-112, 2,049,114 7/ 1936 Gallamore 108-79 2,696,414 12/1954 Stedman 108-112XR BOBBY R. GAY, Primary Examiner. G. FINCH, Assistant Examiner. 

